The Queen, a recently released British film, paints an eye-opening portrait of the Queen of England and the Royal Family in the days following the death of Princess Diana. Helen Mirren seamlessly and brilliantly portrays Queen Elizabeth, capturing every nuance of the real Queen. But most important, she depicts the personality of the Queen so deftly that we believe she is Elizabeth.
The portrayal of the Royal Family and their behavior after Diana’s tragic death in 1997, or rather the absence of any emotional response, is contrasted with the country’s outpouring of grief. Are the Queen and the Royal Family so bound by tradition and privilege that they cannot and will not show emotion? Can nothing shake their everyday habits and customs? See for yourself how the Queen finally responds when the very existence of the British monarchy is threatened by public outrage.
Personally, my view of Queen Elizabeth and the Royal Family has been forever changed after seeing this film, though it may be a fictional account. Peter Morgan wrote the screenplay and recreated the character of the Queen so well that I won’t be surprised if he receives numerous awards this year. And my vote is in for an Academy Award for Helen Mirren. | 
